BBC embroiled in Strictly 'fix' row as fans rage at 'unfair advantage' of trained contestants
Strictly Come Dancing 'fix' row erupts
PA
The BBC and bosses at Strictly Come Dancing have come under fire from some fans following the reveal of this year's cast.
As of Tuesday morning, the 2023 line-up consists of Layton Williams, Angela Scanlon, Angela Rippon, Amanda Abbington, Krishnan Guru-Murphy, Eddie Kadi, Adam Thomas, Zara McDermott, and Nikita Kanda.
However, with much of the cast announced, a number of Strictly fans have raised concerns.
Williams, for example, is an actor on the screen and stage having received plaudit after plaudit for his stints in the stage productions of Everybody's Talking About Jamie and Billy Elliot.
His background in musical theatre and dance led to a number of fans reacting to the Strictly Twitter account after it confirmed his stint on the show.
In response to his reveal, one fan argued: "As much as admire and love his work, surely he's got an advantage over everyone else being in musical theatre?"
Angela Scanlon is taking part in this year's Strictly
BBC
While a second sarcastically responded: "A professional dancer will always have an advantage over other non-dancers but hey-ho who gives a t**s!"
"I love Layton but he has danced professionally so I don't know if it will be fair," a third weighed in while a fourth commented: "I’m excited to see him compete just because I know he’s going to kill it but his training is definitely going to put him at an unfair advantage.
"Especially considering that strictly is no longer just Latin and ballroom and is now embracing other styles."
Elsewhere, another person raged: "He's a professionally trained dancer and you don't think he has an advantage? Are you daft?
"The poise, the rhythm, the stamina, the basic moves. Looks like another favourite has bitten the woke dust." (sic)
Williams' inclusion isn't the only one which has raised a number of questions when it comes to fairness.
It's now emerged Scanlon also is trained in the world of dance and even performed on-stage in the US.
Scanlon performed in the US with the Irish Thunder dance show in venues such as Busch Gardens Williamsburg in Virginia.
She also trained with the O'Shea Irish Dance Company where she honed her skills on the dancefloor.
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Layton Williams will also be hitting the dancefloor
BBC
However, Scanlon has tried to downplay her skills, telling BBC Radio 2: "I've never done any of these dances in my life, bar a drunken jive at a family wedding.
"So, it certainly feels like there is room to learn and to really push myself.
"Look, I'm not particularly fit. I've no idea how my pelvic floor is going to react to that level of jumping!"
This isn't the first time Strictly has come under this sort of scrutiny for its inclusion of particular celebrities.
In years gone by, musically trainer stars including Pussycat Doll Ashley Roberts, Girls Aloud's Kimberley Walsh, EastEnders star Maisie Smith and popstar Fleur East have all raised eyebrows with their CVs.